The Briary Blue Ribbon

While on a family vacation through the south, we decided to stop at the place my wife bought my first pipe, The Briary in Homewood, Alabama. The owner, Skip was very friendly and welcoming. Yes, I walked out with a sack of new pipes as well.

While I was looking at pipes, my oldest boy was sniffing tobacco jars. He came across Blue Ribbon and asked me to check it out. It did smell awesome in the jar, and I left with a free sample.

I smoke it in a Bjarne with a medium, but thick walled bowl. Blue Ribbon is moist to the touch. I enjoyed Blue Ribbon the first time I smoked it, but after developing a good cake in my new Bjarne and trying the "Frank Method" to pack the bowl, I really developed a love for it.

Blue Ribbon is smooth, and has a rich flavor. It does not get sticky or gummy in the bowl at all. I like it so much, I often take it to work to smoke after lunch. Everyone else enjoys the smell as well.

The black cavendish is vanilla sweet. The burley is nutty, but mostly sublimated by the rich vanilla topping. The caramel topping is subtle, but noticeable. Hardly has any nicotine. Needs a little dry time. Burns cool, clean and smooth at a slow to moderate pace, requiring a number of relights (depending on whether or not you give it any dry time). Leaves moisture in the bowl, but avoids the goop. The flavor is consistent all the way to the finish. Won't bite. Has a very pleasant after taste and room note. An all day smoke if you so choose.

-JimInks